Sarkozy criticised

There were tears from SeaFrance workers who gathered outside the court in Paris to hear the decision on the firm's future.

Many were protesting over the handling of SeaFrance's fate, with one banner questioning why French president, Nikolas Sarkozy had not intervened to save the company.

Flares were lit in protest at the company's liquidation.

Eurotunnel has not ruled out a future bid for the cross-channel ferry firm, which employs nearly 1,000 people.

Mr Elphicke said of Eurotunnel's proposals: "Many people will want to know that they weren't simply going to buy them [SeaFrance's ferries] in order to scrap them.

"We need to make sure they give a clear plan as to why they are interested in the ferry business and not simply going to take out capacity.

"Everyone is working as hard as they can to ensure that their jobs will be safeguarded and working as hard as they can to ensure that those ships will be back on route with a new buyer and a new purchaser."

'Booking refunds'

A spokesman said Eurotunnel would "now be working to see what the fair value of the assets" were before making any decision.

The French firm went into receivership in 2010 and its company's ferries carried more than 3.5 million passengers a year on the Dover to Calais route.

A spokeswoman from SeaFrance said: "SeaFrance is sad to announce that the Tribunal de Commerce in Paris has made the decision to liquidate the company.

"Despite the best efforts of all parties, the court came to the difficult conclusion that none of the options available to it were financially viable.

"Provision has been made to ensure that all customers with pre-existing bookings will receive refunds."